Spotted Lanternflies (SLF) are sap-sucking insects that swarm and can ultimately kill plants and leave a residue called honeydew on surfaces, including houses and cars.  Honeydew attracts wasps and ants; grows a dark, sooty mold; and as it ferments, produces a strong, rotten odor.
 
These invasive insects are natives of Asia who first appeared in Pennsylvania in 2014.  They arrived in Loudoun County in 2022 and first appeared in Ashburn Village in 2024, with minimal impact.  As we all know, it was much worse last year. 
 
Although they can feed on other species, SLF prefer their native host plant, the Tree of Heaven (ToH) and have higher survival rates and produce more eggs on it.  To try to reduce the impact of SLF, Ashburn Village took the initiative to remove more than 1300 ToH in the community last year.  
 
We hope to finish what we started last year - eradicating the ToH from Ashburn Village once and for all.  But we can't do it without your help!
 
What you can do:  Help us find all the remaining ToH.  If you spot a ToH, let us know.  Even better, sign up to help us treat and remove ToH this summer.  It’s easy and a couple hours effort will go a long way towards protecting our community. No prior knowledge or supplies required!  

To help us locate the ToH in Ashburn Village, and/or volunteer to help kill them, please complete the form below.

Thanks for your help!